Priddis Music, Inc., Rick Priddis and EMI Music Publishing Settle Karaoke Licensing Dispute

Utah Company Accepts Synchronization License Requirement for Karaoke

Salt Lake City-based karaoke company Priddis Music, Inc. and Rick Priddis, President and Founder of Priddis Music, Inc., and EMI Music Publishing have settled a litigation pending in Federal Court in Salt Lake City, Utah, it was announced today.

Priddis Music, Inc. and Rick Priddis accept and acknowledge that the licensing of CD+G karaoke products legitimately requires what is commonly known in the music industry as a synchronization license.

EMI Music Publishing had brought an action against Priddis Music, Inc. and Rick Priddis in the United States District Court, District of Utah, alleging that Priddis Music, Inc. did not have the proper licenses for their karaoke products.

The Utah District Court had previously ruled that the particular CD+G karaoke products manufactured and sold by Priddis Music, Inc. which did not contain any visual images other than the graphical display of lyrics on a video screen, did not require a synchronization license. EMI Music Publishing argued that the graphical display of lyrics on a video screen, timed to the playing of the music, rendered the discs audiovisual works for which a synchronization license is required. Priddis Music, Inc. and Rick Priddis now accept that a synchronization license is required for such products.

Contacts

Gordon & Rees LLP
Richard P. Sybert, 619-696-6700